Early Childhood Development: A Bipartisan Approach

The Bipartisan Policy Center is a non-profit organization that "combines the best ideas from both parties to promote health, security, and opportunity for all Americans. While finding solutions is never easy, the Bipartisan Policy Center believes the American answer will always rest in harnessing the best ideas from both parties, seizing pragmatic consensus, and holding steadfast to our commitment to sustaining the institutions and traditions that enable cohesion, freedom, and opportunity in a diverse nation.

A Bipartisan Case for Early Childhood Development: How can parents, childcare providers, educators, doctors, business leaders, public officials, and lawmakers work together to ensure that children are equipped to succeed—in school, in life, and in the workforce?

What’s the story?

Of the 73.6 million children in the U.S. today, almost 20 million are under the age of 5. As the future innovators, workers, and leaders upon whom our nation’s long-term security and prosperity depends, they are America’s most important asset. But America’s youngest children are also vulnerable and too many of them are growing up in environments and under circumstances that don’t promote healthy early development.

Summary of Recommendations

BPC’s Early Childhood Initiative, led by Rep. George Miller and Sen. Rick Santorum explores how, as a nation, we can better support young children and their families to make sure that all Americans start the journey of life with a fair shot at realizing their full potential and becoming successful, productive adults. Some of the recommendations are:

• Supporting Families
• Making Child Care Affordable for Families
• Prioritizing Early Care Workforce Quality
• Addressing the Impact of Opioid and Substance Use Disorders on Young Children and Families.

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